A hit-and-run accident in Watsonville occurred on February 25 prior to 9:00 p.m. This came right after the city approved a plan to try and help limit pedestrian accidents in the city. Watsonville ranks as one of the highest cities for pedestrian and bicycle accidents per capita.
The car responsible for the hit-and-run accident was driving south on Freedom Boulevard. That is when police believe that 38-year-old Jason Silva ran out in front of the vehicle. Silva was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
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Further down the street, almost instantly after the hit-and-run occurred, another car was in an accident. The accident happened on Freedom Boulevard between Lincoln and Marin.
In the other accident, Jesus Picos DeLeon crashed into another vehicle. The other person in that accident was not injured.
DeLeon returned to the scene of the hit-and-run where police were searching for him. He turned himself in for the crime. He was arrested and taken to Santa Cruz County Jail where he was booked and charged.
DeLeon states that he was racing prior to the incident. Police are trying to corroborate his story.
Watsonville will be the first city in the county to implement the vision zero action plan. This will incorporate improvements to traffic safety in an effort to eliminate pedestrian deaths.
The city will be implementing green bike lanes. The crosswalks are going to be improved. The city will plan on increased lighting.
The city is asking that drivers and pedestrians be on the same page, especially while transitioning to the newer safety protocols. They said that drivers need to slow down and that pedestrians need to start making eye contact with drivers. This is both prior to the crossing and while in a crosswalk.
The police are still investigating this accident and the death of Silva.